JP2002035096A - Gas sterilizing method and sterilizing gas supplying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas sterilizing method which can surely remove and deactivate even microvirus, phages, etc. without using an expensive HAPA filter and is low in a running cost, and to provide a sterilizing gas supplying device. SOLUTION: This method sterilizes gas brought into contact with electrolytic water by bringing the gas into contact with the electrolytic water.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method for sterilizing gas,
And a sterilizing gas supply device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for sterilizing gas using electrolyzed water, and an apparatus for supplying a sterilizing gas using the method. In the present invention, the “electrolyzed water” refers to water having a bactericidal action obtained by electrolyzing water containing chlorine ions and having chlorine gas dissolved therein.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in the food industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the medical field, and the like, the concept of total sanitation has been spreading, and one approach has been made to the hygiene management at the site. In particular, air purification is the biggest challenge in sanitary management.

For example, in a food factory, a clean room,
It is recommended to provide a biological clean room or the like, and in such a microbiologically isolated space, various processes requiring strictly sanitary conditions, such as placing food in containers. The filling step and the like are performed.

[0004] As described above, clean aseptic air is often required in food factories, pharmaceutical factories, medical sites, and the like. For this reason, air cleaning for removing dust and microorganisms floating in the air is required. Technology is required.

[0005] Usually, as a technique for removing dust and microorganisms floating in the air, a filter device for filtering air has been put into practical use, and various types of filters are used in accordance with the required cleanliness of the air and the level of microorganisms. -Is used properly. Among them, when a strict microbial level is required, an ultra-high-performance disinfection filter called a HAPA filter is often used.

Particularly in a space where dangerous pathogens or the like are handled, an operation of filtering the exhaust air from the space with a HAPA filter is performed, and if necessary, measures such as heating and sterilizing the exhaust air are taken. ing. This is to strictly prevent biohazard.

[0007] By the way, also in the dairy industry, clean air is required in various manufacturing processes in addition to the above-mentioned filling process. For example, in the fermentation of yogurt, clean air is also required. ing. Generally, yogurt is a stationary yogurt after a fermentation starter is added to a milk raw material, and the mixture is thoroughly stirred and mixed, and then, when the final product is a stirred yogurt, fermented in a fermentation tank. If fermented after dispensing into retail containers.

[0008] Such a series of steps is desirably carried out in an atmosphere having as few microorganisms as possible. For this reason, various air purifying devices are arranged in a yogurt factory. For example, purified air is introduced into the fermentation tank or the entire area where the fermentation tank is installed.

In particular, when yogurt is produced aseptically, the fermentation tank has a closed structure, and sterile air is supplied to such a closed tank to perform fermentation under aseptic conditions. Aseptic air in such a case is also supplied after being filtered by various filters.

As described above, in general, in order to purify and sterilize gas, conventionally, a technique of exclusively installing a sterilization filter on the gas supply side (hereinafter referred to as a conventional technique). .) Has been put to practical use.

On the other hand, in recent years, it has begun to be known that electrolyzed water obtained by electrolyzing various solutions has a bactericidal effect, and such electrolyzed water is used for various sterilizations and disinfections ( Shiyoko Shiba et al., "Handbook of Strong Electrolyzed Water", Medical Information Company, 1995). For example, it is used for washing and sterilizing ingredients such as vegetables and eggs, disinfecting fingers, gargle water, and various disinfections in the medical field.

As a conventional method for producing electrolyzed water, for example, a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-180293 is known. In this technique, water to which sodium chloride has been added is passed through an electrolytic cell equipped with a diaphragm, which is electrolyzed to obtain strongly acidic water generated on the anode side as electrolytic water. The pH is 1.5 or more and 3.2 or less, and is said to have a higher bactericidal effect than a simple low pH solution.

In the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2627100, water to which sodium chloride is added and water to which hydrochloric acid is added are mixed, and the resulting mixture is electrolyzed by a non-diaphragm electrolytic cell. To get. The water to which sodium chloride is added is regarded as an indispensable additive for increasing the efficiency of electrolysis.

Further, the present inventors have invented a technique for obtaining electrolytic water by passing hydrochloric acid substantially containing no sodium chloride through a non-diaphragm electrolytic cell to electrolyze the same.
No. 920 has already been filed (hereinafter referred to as prior art 1). Electrolyzed water produced by these techniques has, for example, a higher bactericidal effect even at a low chlorine concentration than chlorine water prepared by dissolving sodium hypochlorite in water. Since it is not necessary to finely adjust the concentration every time it is used, it is suitable as a disinfectant.

The water used as a raw material of the electrolyzed water is, for example, water containing chloride ions such as an aqueous solution of sodium chloride and hydrochloric acid. Water as such a raw material is electrolyzed, chlorine gas is generated by the action of electrolytic oxidation, and the generated chlorine gas is dissolved in water to generate hypochlorous acid in the water. The electrolyzed water exhibits a bactericidal effect by the action of this hypochlorous acid.

On the other hand, in general, in an electrolytic cell composed of a plurality of electrode plates, the type of electrode is as follows.
Conventionally, two types of monopolar type and bipolar type have been known ("Electrochemical Handbook", edited by Electrochemical Society of Japan, No. 51).
0 page, Maruzen, 1954).

The monopolar type is a type in which all of the electrode plates are either a cathode or an anode, and the bipolar type is, for example, a structure in which a plurality of electrodes are insulated from each other at regular intervals and overlapped. And at least one electrode (intermediate electrode) not connected to any of the electrodes exists between the electrode plate connected to the anode of the power supply and the electrode plate connected to the cathode of the power supply. . The present inventors have invented an economical method for producing electrolyzed water using such a bipolar electrolytic cell.
Patent Application No. 189744 has already been filed (hereinafter referred to as prior art 2).

[0018]

Generally, in the technical field of air purification, in the technology using a sterilization filter as in the above-mentioned prior art, the smaller the object to be sterilized, the smaller the size of the object to be sterilized. Although a fine filter is required, such a fine filter is generally expensive, and there is a problem that the running cost increases as the filter is used.
In addition, since the fine filter has a large gas pressure loss, the power energy cost for supplying the gas is also high, which also increases the running cost.

For example, in the case of a HEPA filter,
It is said that it is possible to capture a virus of about 0.05 to 0.1 μm, but using such an extremely fine filter is disadvantageous in terms of cost.

In general, filters tend to be easily broken, and if broken, serious microbial accidents may occur. Conversely, there has been a problem that the fact that the filter has been damaged cannot be found until such an accident occurs. That is, in the conventional technology, sufficient safety cannot be secured in quality control and hygiene control.

On the other hand, in the field of yogurt, an accident that fermentation of a yogurt product may be rarely caused sometimes occurs. This is because lactic acid bacteria for producing yogurt are bacteriophagic. -It is caused by infection. Bacteriophage has an average length of 0.18-
Fermentation is inhibited when lactic acid bacteria are infected.

Conventionally, there has been no alternative but to use a high-performance HEPA filter at the stage of sterilizing air in order to prevent such bacteriophage infection. In the field of the food industry where the product unit price is low, the use of the HEPA filter is expensive in terms of cost and is not practical. As a result, in the food industry, there has been a long-awaited need for a gas sterilization technique that is low in cost and highly safe against viruses, fuzz, and the like.

In the course of researching the prior arts 1 and 2, the present inventors have found that it is effective to apply electrolyzed water to gas sterilization, and have reached the present invention.

An object of the present invention is to remove and inactivate even small viruses and phages without using an expensive HAPA filter, and to inactivate gas with a low running cost. To provide a sterilization method. It is another object of the present invention to provide a sterilizing gas supply device using such a gas sterilizing method.

[0025]

Means for Solving the Problems The first invention of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a gas sterilizing method for bringing a gas into contact with electrolyzed water and sterilizing the contacted gas.

The first invention of the present invention is characterized in that the operation of bringing the gas into contact with the electrolyzed water is performed by aerating the gas into the electrolyzed water. Stored, that is performed by blowing gas into the stored electrolytic water, that the operation of storing the electrolytic water is performed while appropriately replenishing new electrolytic water and controlling the chlorine concentration in a predetermined range, electrolytic water Is obtained by passing hydrochloric acid to which substantially no sodium chloride is added through a non-diaphragm electrolytic cell, electrolyzing the passed hydrochloric acid, and obtaining electrolyzed water after electrolysis. 0.0 or more, and the gas is air.

Further, the second invention of the present invention provides the following a) and b): a) a gas supply source; b) a gas supply pipe having a tip connected to the gas supply source and discharging gas from the end; A gas supply device having the following: c) to e), c) electrolyzed water producing means for producing electrolyzed water, and d) an electrolyzed water feeder having an end connected to the electrolyzed water producing means for supplying electrolyzed water. E) an electrolyzed water storage container connected to an end of the electrolyzed water water supply line for storing electrolyzed water, wherein the b is contained in the electrolyzed water stored in the electrolyzed water storage container of e). A) a sterilizing gas supply device, characterized in that an end of the gas supply pipe line is opened.

Further, the second invention of the present invention is that the electrolytic water storage container of the above e) is a closed container, and is provided with a sterilizing gas discharging part for discharging gas after venting into the electrolytic water,
The above-mentioned electrolysis water preparation means c) includes the following c1) to c3), c1) a hydrochloric acid container for storing hydrochloric acid, c2) a hydrochloric acid feed line having a tip connected to the hydrochloric acid container and sending hydrochloric acid, c3) A non-diaphragm electrolysis tank connected to the end of the hydrochloric acid feed pipe and electrolyzing and discharging the fed hydrochloric acid, and the d) electrolyzed water on the discharge side of the c3) non-diaphragm electrolysis tank That the leading end of the water supply pipe is communicated, that the electrolyzed water preparation means of c) includes the following c4), c4) electrolyzed water dilution means for mixing and diluting the electrolyzed water with dilution water; And c5), and c5) a hydrogen gas removing means for removing unnecessary hydrogen gas from the electrolyzed water in a desirable mode.

[0029]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The first invention of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a gas sterilization method for bringing a gas into contact with electrolyzed water and sterilizing the contacted gas. Since the electrolyzed water is water having a sterilizing ability as described above, the gas is sterilized by bringing the gas into contact therewith.

The operation of bringing the gas into contact with the electrolyzed water can be performed by a known gas-liquid contact device, for example, by a packed tower, a spray tower, a scrubber, or the like.

A packed tower is a tower-shaped vessel filled with packing material. The liquid is poured from the upper part and discharged from the lower part, and the gas is injected from the lower part and discharged from the upper part by pressurizing. This is a device for bringing the liquid flowing down the surface of the packing into contact with the gas rising in the gap between the packings. Spray towers and scrubbers are devices that contact a liquid and a gas by dispersing the liquid in a gas flowing through a space as a number of fine droplets, liquid films, and liquid columns. Depending on the manner in which the liquid is dispersed, there are types such as a cyclone scrubber and a venturi scrubber.

If the gas is brought into contact with the electrolyzed water using these various devices, the gas can be sterilized.

The gas sterilization method of the present invention can be used, for example, for the purpose of preventing biohazard. That is, in a space where dangerous microorganisms and the like are isolated, the gas sterilization method of the present invention is applied to air discharged from the space. By applying the gas sterilization method of the present invention, such exhaust gas can be sterilized and safely discharged to the outside air.

In the gas sterilization method of the present invention, it is preferable that the operation of bringing the gas into contact with the electrolyzed water is performed by passing the gas through the electrolyzed water.

For example, a mode in which a gas is passed through and mixed with electrolyzed water flowing in a pipe and then a sterilizing gas is taken out by a gas-liquid separator such as a liquid cyclone can be exemplified.

However, in the present invention, it is desirable to temporarily store the electrolyzed water in, for example, various containers, and to blow the gas into the stored electrolyzed water to ventilate the water. It is possible to carry out.
As such a known device, for example, a bubble column can be exemplified.

In the bubble column, the liquid is stored in a column type container,
The gas is blown from the bottom of the container to raise the gas into a foam, thereby bringing the gas into contact with the liquid. By storing the electrolyzed water in such a bubble column and blowing and aerating the gas, all the gas can be surely sterilized and the efficiency is high.

In the embodiment in which the gas is passed through the stored electrolyzed water, the probability that the gas comes into contact with the electrolyzed water is higher than in the case where the electrolyzed water is sprayed into the gas. The effect can be made closer to perfection.

In this case, it is preferable that the stored electrolyzed water is appropriately supplemented with new electrolyzed water when the chlorine concentration is lowered, so that the chlorine concentration of the electrolyzed water is controlled within a predetermined range. Also, when replenishing electrolyzed water in this way,
It is preferable to discharge an appropriate amount of electrolyzed water and to appropriately replace the electrolyzed water.

Further, in the gas sterilization method of the present invention, the electrolytic water is obtained by passing hydrochloric acid to which substantially no sodium chloride is added through a non-diaphragm electrolytic cell, electrolyzing the passed hydrochloric acid, and subjecting the electrolyzed electrolytic solution to electrolysis. It is a desirable mode that it is obtained by obtaining water. Particularly, the electrolyzed water obtained by the prior art 1 or 2 can be said to be the most suitable electrolyzed water.

Here, hydrochloric acid is hydrochloric acid to which sodium chloride is not substantially added. Such hydrochloric acid is, for example,
It is prepared by adding hydrochloric acid to water substantially free of sodium chloride. Here, “water” is tap water, groundwater, underground water, demineralized water, distilled water, purified water (RO water, membrane-treated water), a mixed water thereof, or the like, which is substantially free of sodium chloride. Means

"Substantially no addition of sodium chloride"
Means that there is no artificial addition of sodium chloride. In this case, a small amount of sodium chloride naturally contained in water as a raw material of hydrochloric acid is not considered.

The fact that sodium chloride is not added to hydrochloric acid means that the sodium ion concentration of hydrochloric acid does not exceed the sodium ion concentration contained in the "water". For example, such “water” generally has a sodium ion concentration of 200 ppm or less. Therefore, the hydrochloric acid of the present invention also has a sodium ion concentration of 200 ppm or less. In the present invention, it is desirable not to add not only sodium chloride but also alkali metal chloride as a whole.

The concentration of hydrogen chloride in hydrochloric acid is preferably at least 0.01% (by weight, hereinafter the same unless otherwise specified), particularly 0.1%, in order to cause an appropriate reaction. It is recommended that this be done. However, when pursuing economy, the concentration of hydrogen chloride should be 1.0% or more,
Desirably, it is 21.0% or less. That is, if the concentration of hydrogen chloride is 1.0% or more, an industrially stable reaction can be obtained. If the concentration is 21.0% or less,
This is because it does not emit smoke at room temperature and is desirable in terms of storage and handling.

After passing such a hydrochloric acid through a non-diaphragm electrolytic cell, a current is applied to both the positive and negative electrodes to perform electrolysis. In addition, the non-diaphragm electrolytic cell is an electrolytic cell having no diaphragm.

The non-diaphragm electrolytic cell may be a monopolar electrolytic cell, but is preferably a bipolar electrolytic cell.
That is, electrolyzed water is obtained by the manufacturing method of the prior art 2.

After producing the electrolyzed water in this way, the obtained electrolyzed water may be diluted. Generally, in the production of electrolyzed water, it is desirable from the viewpoint of economy that only a small amount of water having a high chlorine concentration is produced and then diluted appropriately before use. Therefore, after the electrolysis, the electrolyzed water is collected after dilution. The degree of dilution was pH 4.0.
As described above, it is preferable to dilute the mixture so as to have a range of 4.5 to 7.0.

The electrolyzed water produced by the production method of the present invention does not lose its sterilizing effect even if the effective chlorine concentration is diluted to a concentration of 1 ppm to 2 ppm. still,
The available chlorine concentration is determined by the ortho-tolidine method (edited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan,
"Hygiene Test Method / Comment 1980", page 746, Kanehara Publishing Co., Ltd., March 20, 1980) or iodine titration method (Japan Water Works Association, "Water Water Test Method 1993 Edition", pages 218 to 219) , November 15, 1993).

The electrolyzed water may be neutralized with a neutralizing agent. When electrolyzed water having a high effective chlorine concentration is obtained, the pH of the electrolyzed water may be lowered. However, it is generally known that water in which chlorine is dissolved changes its bactericidal activity depending on the pH ( Published by Fuji Techno System Co., Ltd.
"Microbial Control Technical Data Collection of Food Industry", No. 242-
If the pH of the electrolyzed water is 7.0 or lower, preferably 6.5 or lower, it is desirable because the sterilizing power becomes high. In addition, if the electrolyzed water is strongly acidic, there are restrictions on the place and method of use, and the pH of the electrolyzed water is preferably 4.0 or more, and more preferably 4.5 or more. Such neutralizing agents include:
Alkaline chemicals are preferred and sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, and the like can be used, with sodium hydroxide being most preferred.

When the electrolyzed water is diluted as described above, the neutralizing agent may be added before or after the dilution.
The latter is more desirable.

Conventional electrolyzed water is obtained by electrolyzing water, but it has been common knowledge to add sodium chloride to increase electrolysis efficiency. That is, the idea of using electrolyzed water having a sodium ion concentration of 200 ppm or less for sterilizing air has not been known.

The electrolyzed water used in the method of the present invention has a pH value of 4.0 or more, preferably 4.5 to 7.5.
It is a preferable feature that it is near neutral of 0. In particular, the reason why the pH is 4.0 or more, preferably 4.5 or more is as described in the test examples described below.

Therefore, the electrolyzed water used in the present invention is an electrolyzed water to which sodium chloride is not added, and is an electrolyzed water having a pH around neutrality, so that it can be handled in the same manner as natural water. It does not have any adverse effect on water, and is particularly suitable for sterilizing air.
In addition, since this electrolyzed water has a stronger bactericidal action than the conventional electrolyzed water, even when stored for a long time, it is difficult for bacteria to proliferate.

Since the electrolyzed water used in the present invention is an electrolyzed water to which no sodium chloride is added, salt does not precipitate after the electrolyzed water is evaporated. Therefore, for example, it is easy to wash the equipment after use, and there is no deterioration in washability due to salt precipitation. Further, since the metal is not corroded, a stainless steel device can be used safely for a long time.

In the gas sterilization method of the present invention,
Production of electrolytic water and contact of gas may be performed continuously. In other words, hydrochloric acid to which substantially no sodium chloride is added is continuously passed through the non-diaphragm electrolytic cell, the passed hydrochloric acid is continuously electrolyzed, and electrolyzed electrolyzed water is continuously obtained. Then, the gas is continuously brought into contact with the obtained electrolyzed water, and the contacted gas is continuously sterilized. In this case, the operation of continuously bringing the gas into contact with the electrolyzed water may be performed using a continuous gas-liquid contact device.

The gas to which the present invention is applied may be any gas. For example, when filling food containers and sealing them,
The operation of replacing the air inside the container with nitrogen may be performed, but if the sterilization method of the present invention is applied to such nitrogen, the food is more hygienically filled and sealed with sufficiently sterilized nitrogen. It is possible to do.

However, in the present invention, a desirable mode is that the gas is air. Air is the most widely used gas and is useful in the field of clean rooms, biological clean rooms, clean benches, operating rooms, laboratory animal rooms, isolators, and the like. The sterilization method can be suitably used.

When the sterilization method of the present invention is applied to an area where a yogurt fermentation tank is installed or to the air supplied to the inside of a closed type fermentation tank, a conventional sterilization filter is used. -Can deactivate bacteriophages of a size that cannot be completely captured, which is extremely effective in controlling the process of products.

Particularly, when yogurt is produced aseptically, when starter culture is carried out in a closed tank,
Alternatively, when fermenting yogurt in a closed fermentation tank, if the sterilization method of the present invention is applied to the air supplied to the tank, the bacteriophage becomes completely free from the bacteriophage. A great effect can be obtained in the process control.

After all, according to the present invention, since an expensive HEPA filter is not used, the risk of bacteriophage can be prevented at a low cost. It goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in combination with such a conventional filter.

Next, the sterilizing gas supply device of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, the invention of the device of the present invention devised to solve the above problem will be described. However, in order to easily correspond to the elements of the embodiment described later, the elements of the present invention Is enclosed in parentheses. The reason for describing the present invention in correspondence with the reference numerals of the embodiments described below is as follows.
The purpose of the present invention is to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and not to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the examples.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view for explaining the schematic structure of one embodiment of the sterilizing gas supply apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is another embodiment of the sterilizing gas supplying apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for describing a schematic structure of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the electrolyzed water producing means in FIG.

The sterilizing gas supply device (1, 2) of the present invention
Includes a gas supply source (400) for supplying gas, and a gas supply pipe (500) having a tip connected to the gas supply source (400). Examples of the gas supply source (400) include a gas cylinder filled with various gases, and a compressor or a blower if it is air. In the case of air, a compressor with a relatively high pressure
Is preferred. Such a compressor includes a
A blower, a turbo compressor, a reciprocating compressor and the like can be exemplified.

The gas supply line (500) is a line connected to such a gas supply source (400) at the tip and supplying gas. Such a pipe is, for example, a general compressed gas pipe, and may be a duct when the gas is air.

As described above, the gas supply source (400) and the gas supply pipe (500) function as a device for supplying gas. The present invention relates to such a gas supply source (40
0) and the gas supply line (500) are provided with an electrolyzed water preparation means (100), an electrolyzed water supply line (200), and an electrolyzed water storage container (300, 600).

The leading end of the electrolyzed water supply pipe (200) is connected to the electrolyzed water preparation means (100).
600) is connected. The electrolyzed water supply line (200)
Is a separate pump for supplying electrolyzed water.
1) may be provided.

The electrolyzed water producing means (100) is a means for producing electrolyzed water, and the electrolyzed water supply pipe (200) is a pipe for supplying the produced electrolyzed water.
00, 600) are containers for storing the supplied electrolyzed water. In addition, the electrolytic water storage container (300, 600) may be a closed container or an open container.

In the apparatus of the present invention as described above, the end (500a) of the gas supply pipe (500) is stored in the electrolyzed water (C) stored in the electrolyzed water storage containers (300, 600). The main feature is that the opening is made.

The operation of the sterilizing gas supply device (1, 2) of the present invention as described above is as follows.

The gas supply source (400) generates gas, and the generated gas is supplied by a gas supply line (500). On the other hand, the electrolyzed water creating means (100) creates electrolyzed water, and the created electrolyzed water is used as an electrolyzed water supply pipe (200).
The water is sent to and stored in the electrolyzed water storage containers (300, 600).

The terminal (500a) of the gas supply pipe (500) opens into the electrolyzed water (C) stored in the electrolyzed water storage container (300, 600). Gas is blown into the electrolyzed water (C). The blown gas rises in the electrolyzed water (C) in the form of bubbles, and is sterilized by the action of the electrolyzed water (C). The sterilized gas is used as it is in the electrolytic water storage container (3
00, 600), which will provide a germicidal gas.

As described above, according to the germicidal gas supply device (1 or 2) of the present invention, germicidal gas obtained by sterilizing all microorganisms including viruses, bacteriophages and the like can be supplied. There is no need to use a simple HEPA filter, and the running cost is low.

In the apparatus (1, 2) of the present invention, a stirring means (not shown) is provided in the electrolyzed water storage containers (300, 600), and the electrolyzed water (C) is blown by stirring. It is also possible to improve the sterilization efficiency of the gas by mechanically dispersing the collected gas.

The gas may be blown in any form. For example, a gas dispersing device (503) may be installed at the end (500a) of the gas supply pipe (500) to blow the gas into fine bubbles. You can also. Such a gas dispersion device (503) can be constituted by a sintered body.

It is to be noted that a dust removing filter, a bacteria removing filter, and the like may be provided in the middle of the gas supply pipe (500) to filter the gas to some extent in advance. Even in this case, since the sterilization step using the electrolyzed water (C) is included in the post-process, the mesh of the filter may be rough and the cost may be low.

It is preferable that the electrolyzed water storage containers (300, 600) are provided with electrolyzed water discharge pipes (302, 602) for discharging the stored electrolyzed water. It is preferable to sterilize the gas while doing so.

The apparatus (1, 2) of the present invention described above has a desirable mode in which the electrolytic water storage container (300, 600) is a closed container (see FIG. 2). Specifically, the electrolyzed water storage container (300, 600) is a sealed container (60).
0), and the electrolyzed water storage container (600) is provided with a sterilizing gas discharging section (610) for discharging the sterilized gas.

With such a structure, the gas supply source (4
00) can be efficiently sterilized and supplied as a sterilizing gas through the sterilizing gas discharge unit (610).

The apparatus (1, 2) according to the present invention is preferably arranged such that the electrolyzed water producing means (100) has the following structure (see FIG. 3).

That is, in the apparatus (1, 2) of the present invention, the means for producing electrolyzed water (100) is
1), hydrochloric acid feed line (102), and diaphragm-free electrolytic cell (1)
04) is a desirable mode.

The hydrochloric acid container (101) is a container for storing hydrochloric acid whose concentration is appropriately adjusted, and a known container can be used. The hydrochloric acid sending pipe (102) is a pipe for sending the hydrochloric acid stored in the hydrochloric acid container (101), and the hydrochloric acid sending means (1) for sending the hydrochloric acid.
03) is desirably provided.

The non-diaphragm electrolytic cell (104) is connected to the end of the hydrochloric acid feed line (102), and has a cathode and an anode (10) inside.
5, 106). The electrode is preferably of a bipolar type (the type of the prior art 2) because it is more efficient.

In the apparatus (1, 2) of the present invention, it is desirable that only the hydrochloric acid container (101) and the hydrochloric acid liquid supply line (102) are provided in the non-diaphragm electrolytic cell (104). That is, it is preferable that hydrochloric acid to which substantially no sodium chloride is added is passed through the non-diaphragm electrolytic cell (104). Then, the discharge side of the non-diaphragm electrolytic cell (104) is finally connected to the tip of the electrolytic water supply pipe (200).

The operation of the electrolyzed water producing means (100) as described above is as follows. That is, hydrochloric acid container (101)
The hydrochloric acid stored in the tank is sent to the diaphragm-free electrolytic cell (104) by the hydrochloric acid feed line (102), and is supplied to the diaphragm-free electrolytic cell (1).
04) is electrolyzed. The electrolyzed electrolyzed water is discharged from the non-diaphragm electrolytic cell (104), and the electrolyzed water supply pipe is connected to the discharge port (104a) side of the non-diaphragm electrolytic cell (104) as described above. Since the (200) is in communication, the electrolyzed water finally passes through the electrolyzed water supply pipe (200) to the electrolyzed water storage containers (300, 60).
The water is sent to 0) and stored.

With the above-described electrolyzed water producing means (100), hydrochloric acid to which substantially no sodium chloride is added can be used, so that salt crystals can be precipitated even after the electrolyzed water has dried. There are advantages such as no.

As an example of the above-mentioned electrolyzed water producing means (100), a commercially available electrolyzed water producing apparatus Purestar (trademark, manufactured by Morinaga Engineering Co., Ltd .; the same applies hereinafter) can be exemplified. In this apparatus, a tank storing 21% (weight; hereinafter the same unless otherwise specified) hydrochloric acid or 3% hydrochloric acid is installed. In the former case, 21% hydrochloric acid is diluted with water and then a diaphragm is used. Water is passed through the electrolytic cell, and in the latter case, 3
% Hydrochloric acid is passed through a non-diaphragm electrolytic cell as it is, and is continuously electrolyzed to produce an electrolyzed solution. At this time, the electrolysis conditions of the diaphragm-free electrolytic cell may be adjusted under the condition that the obtained electrolyzed water has a pH of 4.0 or more, preferably in a range of 4.5 to 6.8.

The apparatus (1, 2) according to the present invention is preferably arranged such that the electrolyzed water producing means (100) includes an electrolyzed water diluting means (110). For example, the electrolyzed water diluting means (110) is a means for mixing and diluting electrolyzed water with diluting water.

The electrolysis water diluting means (110) has, for example, a tip connected to a diluting water supply source (110a) for supplying diluting water. The dilution water supply source (110a) is a supply source of dilution water (water for diluting the electrolyzed water), and is a supply source of, for example, tap water and well water. The electrolyzed water diluting means (11
The end of 0) is connected to an appropriate part of a pipe on the discharge side of the diaphragm-free electrolytic cell (104).

In the above example, the dilution water supply source (110a)
The supplied diluted water is sent through an electrolyzed water diluting means (110) and mixed with the electrolyzed water created by the non-diaphragm electrolyzer (104) to dilute the electrolyzed water. And
The diluted electrolyzed water reaches the electrolyzed water storage containers (300, 600) via the electrolyzed water supply pipe (200) and is stored therein.

With such an apparatus (100), since concentrated electrolyzed water is once prepared and then supplied after dilution, energy efficiency is improved and power cost can be reduced. is there.

Also, the electrolyzed water producing means (100) of the present invention
In a preferred embodiment, a hydrogen gas removing means (130) for removing unnecessary hydrogen gas from the electrolyzed water is provided. As the hydrogen gas removing means (130), for example, as shown in FIG. 3, electrolyzed water is temporarily stored in a container (130a), and air is blown into the container (130a) to remove the hydrogen together with the hydrogen. Can be exemplified. In this case, the container (13
The type in which the gas in 0a) is sucked may be used.

The gas sterilization method of the present invention described above,
The supply device for sterilizing gas can be applied to any gas, and can be suitably used in all environments that require a purified gas.

Next, the present invention will be described with reference to test examples. Test Example This test was performed to examine an appropriate pH of the electrolyzed water in the present invention. 1) Preparation of sample Four types of electrolyzed water having pH of 2.2, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.1 were obtained by operating the electrolyzed water production apparatus shown in FIG. 3 and adjusting the operating conditions. And samples 1 to 4 were prepared, respectively.
And The available chlorine concentrations of the obtained samples 1 to 4 are, in order,
30.8 ppm, 28.2 ppm, 28.4 ppm, and 32.0 ppm.

2) Test method 50 l of the sample was stored in a 150 l container. Separately, a diffuser was provided at the tip of the air pipe, and the diffuser was buried in the stored sample. The container storing the sample was provided with a chlorine gas detection tube (No. 8La, manufactured by Gastech Co., Ltd.), and the entrance was closed and sealed. As a result, the sealed upper space in the container became 100 l. In addition, the terminal of the chlorine gas detection tube was connected to a gas measuring device (GV-100, manufactured by Gastech).

[0095] From the air pipe through the air diffuser,
The sample was blown into the sample at a flow rate of 0 l / min, and after one minute, the chlorine gas concentration in the upper space in the container was measured with a chlorine gas detector tube and a gas meter.

3) Test Results The results of this test are as shown in FIG. FIG.
It is a graph which shows the relationship between pH of electrolyzed water and chlorine gas concentration. In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis represents the pH of the electrolyzed water (samples 1 to 4).
And the vertical axis indicates the chlorine gas concentration (ppm) in the upper space of the container.

Referring to FIG. 4, the chlorine gas concentration decreases as the pH of the electrolyzed water increases, and when the pH of the electrolyzed water is 4.0 or more, the chlorine gas becomes rare. It is clear that if the pH is 4.5 or more, almost no chlorine gas is generated, and if the pH is 5.0, it can be said that there is no chlorine gas.

As a result of this test, in the present invention, the pH of the electrolyzed water used is desirably 4.0 or more.
Preferably, it is 4.5 or more, and especially if it is 5.0 or more, it turned out to be ideal.

[0099]

Next, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.
The present invention is not limited to the following examples. Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a schematic structure of an embodiment of a sterilizing gas supply device of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a sterilizing gas supply apparatus 1 of the present invention includes an electrolyzed water producing apparatus Purestar-100 (manufactured by Morinaga Engineering Co., Ltd .; "electrolyzed water producing means" in the claims). A water supply pipe 200 (that is, an “electrolyzed water supply pipe” in the claims) and an air sterilization tank 300 (that is, an “electrolyte water storage container” in the claims) are provided. The pure star 100 and the air sterilizing tank 300 are connected via an electrolytic water supply pipe 200.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the electrolyzed water producing means in FIG. 1 (that is, the pure star 100 in FIG. 1). Purestar 100 is provided with a hydrochloric acid container 101 storing 3% hydrochloric acid (that is, a “hydrochloric acid container” in the claims).
02 (that is, the "hydrochloric acid feed line" in the claims)
Is connected. The metering pump 1 is
03 is provided, and a non-diaphragm electrolytic cell 104 is provided at the end.
(That is, the “diaphragmless electrolytic cell” in the claims).

The electrodes 105 and 106 are provided in the non-diaphragm electrolytic cell 104. 1 to 3, the electrode 1 is used.
Although 05 and 106 are simplified as a pair of electrodes, the electrodes 105 and 106 are actually bipolar electrodes. The electrodes 105 and 106 are connected to a power supply 107. The outlet 104a of the non-diaphragm electrolytic cell 104 has
The electrolytic water discharge pipe 108 is connected, and the end of the electrolytic water discharge pipe 108 reaches a hydrogen removal tank 130 (that is, “hydrogen gas removing means” in the claims).

[0102] The electrolyzed water discharge pipe 108 is connected to an electrolyzed water dilution pipe 110 for diluting electrolyzed water (that is, "electrolyzed water dilution means" in the claims). This electrolyzed water dilution pipe 110 is basically a water tap 110
a and the water supply pipe 1 connected to the tap 110a
11. The water supply pipe 111 is provided with an automatic on-off valve 112 and a constant flow valve 113.
The end 111a of the water supply pipe 111 is connected to the electrolytic water discharge pipe 1
Merge at 08.

[0103] The hydrogen removal tank 130 has a container 130a for temporarily storing the electrolyzed water.
An end of an air pipe 131 from an air source (not shown) is connected, and a hydrogen outlet 1 is provided on the upper surface of the container 130a.
32 are provided. A level meter 133 is provided in the container 130a.
Is an instrument for checking the level of the electrolyzed water inside the hydrogen removal tank 130.

The above-described hydrogen removal tank 130 is connected to the tip of the electrolytic water supply pipe 200, and the electrolytic water supply pipe 200 is provided with a metering pump 201. The automatic on-off valve 112, the metering pump 103, the power source 107 of the diaphragm-free electrolytic cell, the detector 134 of the level meter, and the metering pump 201 are connected to signal lines 112a, 103a, 107, respectively.
a, 134a and 201a
120.

The above-described means for producing electrolyzed water shown in FIG.
The operation of the pure star 100) will be described.

In the electrolyzed water producing apparatus Purestar 100, 3% hydrochloric acid is stored in a hydrochloric acid container 101, and this hydrochloric acid is sent to a non-diaphragm electrolytic cell 104 by a metering pump 103 through a hydrochloric acid pipe 102. .

In the diaphragmless electrolytic cell 104, the electrode 10
5 and 106 are energized, the hydrochloric acid is electrolyzed,
It becomes electrolyzed water. The electrolyzed water is discharged from the outlet 104 a of the non-diaphragm electrolysis tank 104 and reaches the hydrogen removal tank 130 via the electrolyzed water discharge pipe 108.

Here, water is supplied from the water tap 110a via the water supply pipe 111, and the amount of water in this case is kept constant by the constant flow valve 113. This water joins the electrolyzed water discharge pipe 108 at the end 111a via the water supply pipe 111, where the electrolyzed water is diluted and then sent to the hydrogen removal tank 130.

In the hydrogen removal tank 130, the level meter 1
If the liquid level is lower than a predetermined position, the detection unit 134 outputs a signal line 134.
a signal is output to the controller 120 via the communication line a.
2a, 103a, 107a, the automatic on-off valve 11
2. Operate the metering pump 103 and the power supply 107 of the non-diaphragm electrolytic cell to create and dilute the electrolytic water and replenish it in the hydrogen removing tank 130. When the liquid level rises above a predetermined position, the preparation of the electrolyzed water is similarly interrupted.

On the other hand, the end of an air pipe 131 from an air source (not shown) is connected to the hydrogen removal tank 130, and a small amount of air is constantly supplied to the upper space. The supplied air is discharged from the hydrogen discharge port 132. At this time, hydrogen gas generated from the electrolyzed water in the hydrogen removal tank 130 is also entrained, and the hydrogen gas is removed.

By the above operation, in the hydrogen removal tank 130, the electrolyzed water from which hydrogen has been removed is stored at a predetermined liquid level.

Note that the controller 120 is connected to the signal line 20.
It has a function of operating or stopping the metering pump 201 through 1a, and feeds the electrolyzed water to the subsequent steps via the electrolyzed water feed pipe 200 as necessary.

Next, the sterilizing gas supply device 1 of FIG. 1 equipped with such a pure star 100 will be described.

In FIG. 1, the tip of an electrolyzed water supply pipe 200 is connected to the hydrogen removal tank 130 of the pure star 100.
It is connected to the air sterilization tank 300 (that is, the “electrolyzed water storage container” in the claims). This air sterilization tank 30
Reference numeral 0 denotes an opening 301 at the top, and the inside and outside of the air sterilization tank 300 are electrically connected via the opening 301. In other words, the air sterilization tank 300 is a container opened through the opening 301.

The end 200a of the electrolytic water supply pipe 200
Is connected to the lower part of the air sterilization tank 300, and an electrolysis water discharge pipe 302 is arranged on the upper part of the air sterilization tank 300. The end 302a of the electrolytic water discharge pipe 302 is open, and a washing place 303 is provided below the end 302a. A discharge tank (not shown) is provided inside the washing place 303. The discharge tank has a function of discharging the electrolytic water from the discharge port 304 when the electrolytic water of a certain level or more accumulates. Have.

The air sterilizing tank 300 and the washing place 303 are installed in a space E where microbial cleanliness is required.

The air sterilizing tank 300 is provided with a chlorine concentration sensor-310 for measuring the chlorine concentration of the electrolytic water C inside. The chlorine concentration sensor 310 is connected to the controller 120 by a signal line 310a.

On the other hand, a compressor unit 400 (that is, a “gas supply source” in claims) is provided on the gas supply side. An air pipe 500 (that is, a “gas supply pipe” in the claims) is connected to the compressor unit 400.

The compressor unit 400 has a compressor 401, and a mist separator 402 and an after-cooler are provided on the exhaust side of the compressor 401.
403 is provided. The mist separator 402 is a device for removing dust, oil droplets, water droplets and the like mixed in the exhaust gas from the compressor, and the aftercooler 403 is a device for cooling the air.

Further, the compressor unit 400 includes:
An air tank 404 is provided. The air tank 404 has a pressure sensor (not shown), and when the pressure in the air tank 404 becomes lower than a predetermined pressure, the compressor 40
1 is wired to operate automatically. In addition, the air tank 404 includes a safety valve 405 that exhausts air from the air tank 404 when the pressure in the air tank 404 becomes too high.

The compressor unit 400 includes:
An air pipe 500 is continuously provided.
Is provided with a pressure reducing valve 501 and a check valve 502.

A diffuser 503 is provided at the end 500a of the air pipe 500. The diffuser tube 503 is made of a sintered metal, and has a structure in which the inside and the outside of the tube are conducted through fine pores of the sintered metal.

Then, the air pipe 500 is connected to the air sterilizing tank 3.
00, and is opened at the bottom of the air sterilization tank 300, and the air diffuser 503 is connected to the opening. In other words, the air diffuser 503 is arranged at the bottom of the air sterilization tank 300.

The operation of the apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above is as follows. Electrolyzed water production equipment Purestar-100
In, the hydrogen removal tank 130 stores electrolyzed water from which hydrogen has been removed. On the other hand, in the air sterilization tank 300,
Electrolyzed water C is stored, but chlorine concentration sensor 310
As a result, the chlorine concentration of the electrolyzed water C is detected. The value of the chlorine concentration is determined by the controller 12 via the signal line 310a.
When the received chlorine concentration is lower than the predetermined value, the controller 120 operates the metering pump 201 via the signal line 201a and replenishes the air sterilization tank 300 with new electrolytic water. is there. Thus, the electrolyzed water C stored in the air sterilization tank 300 is always maintained in a certain range of chlorine concentration.

In the air sterilizing tank 300, the electrolyzed water C is stored up to the level of the electrolyzed water discharge pipe 302 on the upper side. When new electrolyzed water is replenished, the electrolyzed water C is discharged. It leaks out of the pipe 302 and is discharged to the washing place 303. Thereby, the water level of the air sterilization tank 300 is also kept constant.

[0126] In the washing place 303, utensils and the like that require cleaning and sterilization are placed, and washing and sterilization can be performed by showering with discharged electrolytic water.

The electrolyzed water discharged from the air sterilization tank 300 is temporarily stored in a discharge tank (not shown) provided inside the washing place 303, and when a certain level or more of the electrolyzed water is accumulated, the water is discharged. Electrolyzed water is discharged from the outlet 304.

On the other hand, in the compressor unit 400, the compressor 401 operates, and air at a predetermined pressure is stored in the air tank 404. This air is supplied through the air pipe 500, and the pressure is reduced by the pressure reducing valve 501, and the air is supplied to the air diffuser 503 provided at the end 500 a of the air pipe 500.

Since the air diffuser 503 is arranged at the bottom of the air sterilizing tank 300, air is blown into the stored electrolytic water C via the air diffuser 503. At this time, the air is blown into the air bubble 503 in the form of fine bubbles. The check valve 502 prevents the electrolytic water C from flowing back to the air pipe 500 side.

[0130] The air floats in the electrolytic water C in the form of bubbles, and diffuses through the opening 301 of the air sterilization tank 300 into the space E where microbial cleanliness is required. Thus,
The space E is supplied with sterile air.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a schematic structure of another embodiment of the apparatus for supplying a sterilizing gas of the present invention. In FIG. 2, elements common to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 or FIG.

In FIG. 2, the supply device 2 for sterilizing gas is
A closed air sterilization tank 600 (that is, an “electrolyzed water storage container” in the claims) is provided. Other electrolyzed water production equipment Purestar-100, electrolyzed water pipe 200,
The structure of the compressor unit 400 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The end 200a of the electrolyzed water supply pipe 200 from the electrolyzed water producing apparatus Purestar 100 is open in the closed air sterilization tank 600.
It is open at a relatively upper position of the air sterilization tank 600. Further, a check valve 202 is installed in the electrolyzed water supply pipe 200.

An electrolytic water discharge pipe 602 is provided at a relatively lower position of the air sterilization tank 600. A control valve 605 is provided on the electrolyzed water discharge pipe 602, and the control valve 605 is connected to the controller 120 by a signal line 605a.

The air sterilization tank 600 has a water level sensor.
The water level sensor 601 is connected to the controller 120 by a signal line 601a.

On the other hand, an air diffuser 503 is provided at the end 500a of the air pipe 500 from the compressor unit 400, and is open at the bottom of the air sterilization tank 600, as in the first embodiment. is there.

A sterilizing air discharge pipe 610 (that is, a “sterilizing gas discharge section” in the claims) is connected to the top of the air sterilizing tank 600. A mist separator 611 is provided.

The end of the sterilizing air discharge pipe 610 is connected to various devices (not shown) that require sterilizing air, such as a sterile fermentation tank for yogurt. In the sterilizing gas supply device 2 as described above, since the air sterilizing tank 600 is sealed, air from the compressor unit 400 is supplied through the air pipe 500, and this air is
After the pressure is reduced through the pressure reducing valve 501, the air sterilizing tank 60
It is blown into 0.

At this time, the inside of the air sterilization tank 600 has a higher pressure than the atmospheric pressure. For this purpose, a check valve 202 is provided in the electrolyzed water supply pipe 200 to prevent the electrolyzed water from flowing back.

The electrolyzed water producing apparatus Purestar 100 prepares electrolyzed water and stores the electrolyzed water from which hydrogen has been removed in the hydrogen removal tank 130. Electrolytic water is supplied to the air sterilization tank 600 by the metering pump 201 via the electrolytic water supply pipe 200. Electrolytic water C is stored in the air sterilization tank 600. At this time, the water level sensor 601 senses the water level of the electrolyzed water C and transmits it to the controller 120 via the signal line 601a. The controller 120 operates the control valve 605 via the signal line 605a, discharges the electrolyzed water from the air sterilization tank 600, and maintains the level of the electrolyzed water C within a predetermined range. That is, the controller 120 operates the metering pump 201 and the control valve 605 according to the detection value of the water level sensor 601 to control the water level of the air sterilization tank 600 within a certain range.

In addition to these controls,
The chlorine concentration sensor-310 detects the chlorine concentration of the electrolyzed water C, transmits data of the detected chlorine concentration to the controller 120 via the signal line 310a, and outputs the data from the controller 12 to the controller 12.
0 operates the metering pump 201 and replenishes the new sterilized water to the air sterilization tank 600 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

In the sterilizing gas supply device 2 as described above, the air from the compressor unit 400 is depressurized through the pressure reducing valve 501 and then blown into the air sterilizing tank 600. In this case, the air is blown through the air diffuser 503 as in the first embodiment.

The blown air rises in the electrolytic water C in a foamy state, becomes sterile air, and reaches the top of the air sterilizing tank 600. Then, the water is discharged out of the system through the sterilizing air discharge pipe 610. At this time, water droplets of the electrolytic water entrained by the sterilizing air are removed by the mist separator 611. Thus, sterilizing air is supplied to various devices provided at the end of the sterilizing air discharge pipe 610.

For example, the end of the sterilization air discharge pipe 610 is
If connected to the aseptic fermentation tank of yogurt, sterile air is supplied to the aseptic fermentation tank of yogurt. In this case, the supplied sterilizing air is safe for bacteriophage by electrolytic water treatment.
It is possible to safely manage the fermentation of yogurt in the factory.

Embodiment 3 Next, a description will be given of an embodiment of the invention using the apparatus shown in FIG. Electrostatic water production system Purestar-10 in FIG.
0, the 3% hydrochloric acid stored in the hydrochloric acid container 101 is sent to the non-diaphragm electrolysis tank 104 and electrolyzed, and at the same time, dilution water is sent from the water tap 110 via the water supply pipe 111 to sterilize the air. Electrolyzed water C was stored in tank 300. The effective chlorine concentration of the stored electrolyzed water is 20 ppm, and the pH is 6.
It was 0. Further, the chlorine concentration of the electrolyzed water C is sensed by the chlorine concentration sensor-310, and when the chlorine concentration decreases, the pure water production device Purestar 100 is operated as needed to replenish the new electrolyzed water, Control was performed so that the chlorine concentration of the electrolytic water C was maintained at 18 ppm or more.

In the compressor unit 400,
The compressor 401 was operated, and compressed air was stored in the air tank 404. Then, air was blown out of the air diffuser 503 through the air pipe 500 and was brought into contact with the electrolyzed water C in the air sterilizing tank 300 to sterilize the air.

[0147] The sterilized air was discharged through the opening 301 of the air sterilizing tank 300, and the exhaust air from the opening 301 was subjected to a Japanese Industrial Standard B using a light scattering particle counter.
The number of microorganisms was measured according to 9920, but no microorganisms were detected.

[0148]

The gas sterilizing method or the sterilizing gas supply device of the present invention can safely and reliably remove and inactivate even small viruses and phages without using an expensive HAPA filter. And running costs are low. Further, by using the gas sterilizing method or the sterilizing gas supply device of the present invention, it is possible to reliably prevent a product accident due to bacteriophage in the yogurt manufacturing process.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a schematic structure of an embodiment of a sterilizing gas supply device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a schematic structure of another embodiment of the sterilizing gas supply device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an electrolyzed water producing means in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the pH of electrolyzed water and the concentration of generated chlorine gas.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Disinfection gas supply apparatus 2 Disinfection gas supply apparatus 100 Purestar (electrolysis water preparation means) 101 Hydrochloric acid container (hydrochloric acid container) 102 Hydrochloric acid piping (hydrochloric acid liquid supply line) 103 Metering pump 104 Non-diaphragm electrolytic cell (non-diaphragm electrolysis) 110) Water tap 110 Water supply pipe 130 Hydrogen removal tank (Hydrogen gas removal means) 200 Electrolyzed water feed pipe (Electrolyzed water feed pipe) 300 Air sterilization tank (Electrolyzed water) Storage container) 400 Compressor unit (gas supply source) 500 Air pipe (gas supply pipe) 503 Air diffuser 600 Air sterilization tank (electrolyte water storage container) 610 Sterilization air discharge pipe (sterilization gas discharge part)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kiyoshi Suzuki 5-183 Higashihara, Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture Morinaga Dairy Co., Ltd. Analysis Center (72) Teiichi Nakamura 5-83 Higashihara, Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture No. Morinaga Dairy Products Co., Ltd. Nutrition Science Laboratory F-term (reference) 4C080 AA07 BB05 HH03 KK08 MM01 QQ11 4D061 DA02 DA03 DB07 EA03 EA04 EB14 EB19 EB37 EB39 ED12 GA18 GA21 GA22 GC18

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A gas sterilization method comprising contacting a gas with electrolyzed water and sterilizing the contacted gas. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operation of bringing the gas into contact with the electrolyzed water is performed by aerating the gas into the electrolyzed water.
The method for sterilizing a gas according to item 1. 3. The gas sterilization method according to claim 2, wherein the operation of aerating the gas into the electrolytic water is performed by storing the electrolytic water and blowing the gas into the stored electrolytic water. 4. The gas sterilization method according to claim 3, wherein the operation of storing the electrolyzed water is performed while appropriately supplementing new electrolyzed water and controlling the chlorine concentration within a predetermined range. 5. Electrolyzed water is obtained by passing hydrochloric acid to which substantially no sodium chloride is added through a non-diaphragm electrolytic cell, electrolyzing the passed hydrochloric acid, and obtaining electrolyzed water after electrolysis. The method for sterilizing gas according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. The gas sterilizing method according to claim 1, wherein the electrolyzed water has a pH of 4.0 or more. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the gas is air.
The method for sterilizing gas according to any one of the above. 8. A gas supply device comprising the following a) and b): a) a gas supply source; and b) a gas supply pipe having a tip connected to the gas supply source and discharging gas from a terminal. C) to e), c) electrolyzed water producing means for producing electrolyzed water, d) an electrolyzed water water supply pipe having a tip connected to the electrolyzed water producing means for supplying electrolyzed water, e) An electrolyzed water storage container connected to the end of the water pipe for storing electrolyzed water, wherein the end of the gas supply pipe of b) in the electrolyzed water stored in the electrolyzed water storage container of e). A sterilizing gas supply device, characterized in that the opening is opened. 9. The apparatus for supplying a germicidal gas according to claim 8, wherein the electrolyzed water storage container of e) is a closed container, and is provided with a germicidal gas discharge unit for discharging gas after aeration into the electrolytic water. 10. The method for producing electrolyzed water according to c), wherein
1) to c3), c1) a hydrochloric acid container for storing hydrochloric acid, c2) a hydrochloric acid liquid supply line having a tip connected to the hydrochloric acid container and supplying hydrochloric acid, c3) connected to an end of the hydrochloric acid liquid supply line, 9. A non-diaphragm electrolyzer for electrolyzing and discharging the fed hydrochloric acid, and a tip of the electrolyzed water supply pipe of d) is communicated with a discharge side of the c3) non-diaphragm electrolyzer. Or the supply apparatus of the sterilization gas of Claim 9. 11. The method for producing electrolyzed water of c), wherein
The sterilizing gas supply device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising: 4) and c4) an electrolyzed water diluting means for mixing and diluting the electrolyzed water with dilution water. 12. The method for producing electrolyzed water according to c), wherein
The sterilizing gas supply device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising: 5), c5) a hydrogen gas removing unit that removes unnecessary hydrogen gas from the electrolyzed water.